The socio-economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19): A review

Int J Surg. 2020 Jun:78:185-193. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.04.018. Epub 2020 Apr 17.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 4.3 million confirmed cases and over 290,000 deaths globally. It has also sparked fears of an impending economic crisis and recession. Social distancing, self-isolation and travel restrictions have lead to a reduced workforce across all economic sectors and caused many jobs to be lost. Schools have closed down, and the need for commodities and manufactured products has decreased. In contrast, the need for medical supplies has significantly increased. The food sector is also facing increased demand due to panic-buying and stockpiling of food products. In response to this global outbreak, we summarise the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 on individual aspects of the world economy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Economic impact; Economy; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Commerce
  • Coronavirus
  • Coronavirus Infections* / economics
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Employment
  • Food Supply
  • Humans
  • Pandemics* / economics
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / economics
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Socioeconomic Factors*